Establishing the mood with glistening keys and immersive synth textures expanding into a contemporary R&B meets neo-soul soundscape, we are already hypnotized by Desmond Parson‘s latest release, Mend the Pieces.
Opening with vocal add libs and the vulnerable lyrics, “I’ve been savaged, I’ve been slayed with these feelings left to hold, never knew that being true would leave me in the cold…”, Mend the Pieces delivers the intentional message of a plea to a new lover to help make our protagonist whole again by helping them restore their belief in love.
We appreciate the symbolism of the opus, which has parallels with the current state of society and our collective need to manifest amplified love energy for all.
Desmond Parson cites influences including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Dru Hill, although it is clear that he is creating a universe of his own.
Lyrical highlights include the emotive “I am half a man searching for my soul”, and the evocative hook, “Can you help me mend the pieces to this broken heart…”
Desmond Parson, a man of vision, passion, and song. Music was and is the outlet in which he conveys his thoughts. Born in Washington D.C. in the mid 70s, Desmond’s interest in music peaked at the age of four when his grandmother would play albums by the likes of Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass and Michael Jackson. However, it was one artist in particular that his grandmother played that would forever change his appreciation for, and approach to music, Stevie Wonder.
Through studying the albums of Stevie Wonder, Desmond would learn the many roles of an artist; a vocalist, writer, composer, producer, arranger, all of which Desmond performs on all of his projects. Desmond started playing the piano at age ten, learning melodies taught by his uncle. From joining singing groups in high school to presently directing his own band, Soulfied Village, Desmond’s musical journey is ever
evolving.
Through his involvement with the DC music scene, Desmond has performed at many historic venues in the Washington D.C. area including Takoma Station Tavern, Smith Public Trust, and The Kennedy Center, and has shared the stage with the R&B group, The Dramatics. Desmond infuses the sounds of R&B and neo-soul to create a style of his own.
We love Desmond Parson‘s energy and have added Mend the Pieces to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we explore his wider discography including Possibly and Okay.